"Englishman in New York" (Sting) - walking bass fingerstyle arrangement

[Dustinfurlow]

Hey AGF,

Had a ton of fun rearranging this tune recently. I had a few questions already about how to arrange in this fashion, and for these kind of covers I always start with learning the chord structure and melody first, very slowly, then work out an arrangement I can sing or hum to - which helps me establish melodic phrasing in between chord movements/rhythm - then the last step is usually the bass lines and fancy embellishments on top (harmonics/slides/vibratos). Once the map is figured out, its all about repetition, until the point where you dont have to hyper focus and muscle memory can do it's job. Hope this makes sense and can provide some inspiration!

One take, no EQ or compression, just a great guitar made by Rory Dowling and co. and a groovey song. Feel free to share if you enjoyed. Always grateful to share music here, you can find more arrangements and original tunes on the Youtube channel.



All the very best,
D

[Glennwillow]

Hi Dustin!

Man, that last chord was something!

Well done, great arrangement, and some great playing! Very enjoyable!

- Glenn

[cedartop52]

Wonderful! Also inspiring to learn more about your process too. Thanks, Dan

[SingingSparrow]

well played, Dustin; thanks for sharing. it is always a pleasure to listen to you play but i particularly appreciate your summary of your process. sometimes trying to figure out the creative process is like interrogating a fast departing smoke.

[ReneAsologuitar]

Hi D,
Wonderful work. Very inspiring, and truly pleasant to the ear.
Thanks for sharing.
Rene

[Dustinfurlow]

Originally Posted by Glennwillow

Hi Dustin!

Man, that last chord was something!

Well done, great arrangement, and some great playing! Very enjoyable!

- Glenn

Thanks Glenn, the capo and short scale sure help with this tune! The chord is x24630

Originally Posted by cedartop52

Wonderful! Also inspiring to learn more about your process too. Thanks, Dan

My pleasure

Originally Posted by SingingSparrow

well played, Dustin; thanks for sharing. it is always a pleasure to listen to you play but i particularly appreciate your summary of your process. sometimes trying to figure out the creative process is like interrogating a fast departing smoke.

Thats a great way to describe it for sure!

Originally Posted by ReneAsologuitar

Hi D,
Wonderful work. Very inspiring, and truly pleasant to the ear.
Thanks for sharing.
Rene

Thank you for listening, cheers!

[Aimelie]

Wonderfully wonderful with awesome sauce! (A certain word that is rightfully used a lot already in the comments on this piece.)

I truly enjoyed the dickens out if this and am delighted you shared, Dustin. Just fantastic!

[islandguitar]

Incredible playing and arranging, Dustin!! Geeezzz that was good!
Thanks for sharing......I do recognize that final chord from one of your other originals.......always loving it!!
Take care,
Fred

[acousticland]

excellent work.
No words.
In italian we say: perdirindindina.

[jklotz]

Sounds great man!

[lpa53]

Wow! Absolutely loved it!

[SprintBob]

That looked like so much fun. What a great interpretation of one of Sting’s iconic songs.

[rémy64]

Nice arrangement, excellent Dustin

[Dustinfurlow]

Thank you much for the kind words, guys. Listening back to this I definitely could've gotten certain sections cleaner. Was in a rush to share this because of the excitement and patience ran out

[rick-slo]

Good one. Nice variations in there.